THE Nigerian military has firmly denied allegations of a slow or ineffective response to the mass abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, insisting that sustained and carefully coordinated rescue operations are ongoing to secure the release of the victims.
News Point Nigeria reports that more than 100 worshippers were reportedly abducted by armed criminals last Sunday during an attack on the community, triggering outrage, fear, and growing frustration among residents and displaced families.
Some community members accused security forces of responding sluggishly to the incident and alleged that troops retreated after making what they described as a weak attempt to enter the surrounding forest where the kidnappers were believed to be hiding.
The accusations fueled public concern and criticism, particularly as days passed without official confirmation of the incident or visible rescue outcomes.
However, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has rejected the claims, stressing that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have been proactive and deliberate in their response, prioritizing the safety of the abducted victims above all else.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria by the Director of Media Operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Major General Michael Onoja, the military acknowledged the anguish and anxiety being experienced by the affected families but assured them that rescuing the victims unharmed remains a top priority.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria has duly acknowledged the apprehensions expressed by displaced residents of Kurmin Wali regarding the ongoing efforts to secure the release of their abducted family members,” Onoja said.
“The AFN seeks to reassure the affected communities and the general public that the safe rescue and reintegration of all kidnapped victims remains a paramount undertaking.”
Responding directly to claims of a delayed or diminished response, the military said its operations have been intensive, intelligence-driven, and conducted in collaboration with other security agencies.
“Contrary to assertions of a diminished response, the AFN, in close collaboration with other security agencies, has been executing sustained, intelligence-driven operations within the vicinity and surrounding forested areas believed to harbor the perpetrators,” the statement read.
According to the military, these efforts include a strategic mix of ground patrols, surveillance missions, intelligence gathering, and targeted operations aimed at locating the kidnappers and rescuing the hostages without putting their lives at risk.
The Defence Headquarters further explained that what some observers perceive as hesitation or withdrawal is, in many cases, a calculated operational decision designed to avoid unintended harm to the captives.
“The AFN recognizes the distress and trepidation experienced by the affected families and underscores that operational restraint in certain instances is a deliberate strategy, guided by the imperative to safeguard the captives and avert unintended harm,” Onoja stated.
While declining to disclose sensitive operational details for security reasons, the military said significant efforts are underway to dismantle the criminal networks responsible for the abductions and prevent future attacks.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain unwavering in their mandate to protect lives and property and are steadfastly committed to reuniting the kidnapped victims of Kurmin Wali with their families,” the statement added.
The military also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and supportive, urging patience and cooperation as operations continue toward what it described as a “successful resolution.”
The Kurmin Wali abduction has also drawn attention due to the confusion and controversy surrounding its initial reporting. When reports of the mass kidnapping first surfaced on Sunday, both the Kaduna State Government and security agencies publicly dismissed the claims, stating that no such incident had occurred.
That position, however, was later reversed.
In a statement issued late on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that intelligence and operational findings had verified that the abduction did take place.
Hundeyin explained that the earlier denial by the Kaduna State Police Command was intended to prevent public panic while investigations were ongoing and facts were being established.